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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Published on: April 13, 2011

Patterned control of human locomotion.

Francesco Lacquaniti¹, Yuri P Ivanenko, Myrka Zago

¹Department of Systems Medicine, Neuroscience Section, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy. lacquaniti@caspur.it

The Journal of Physiology

|March 14, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Human movement control relies on a few basic muscle activation patterns, adaptable for various conditions like walking and running. This flexible neural control system leverages biomechanical constraints for efficient locomotion.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Neuroscience
Human Locomotion

Background:

Multisegment movements are influenced by biomechanical constraints.
Hypothesized control involves a limited set of basic temporal activation patterns shared across muscles.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent studies on human locomotion.
To examine the role of basic activation patterns in controlling movement.
To explore the neural and biomechanical underpinnings of locomotion control.

Main Methods:

Review of experimental evidence and studies on human locomotion.
Analysis of muscle activity patterns during various locomotion tasks.
Description of biomechanical correlates of activation patterns.

Main Results:

Muscle activity in human locomotion is explained by a combination of a few basic patterns.
These patterns are consistent across different speeds, directions, and loading conditions.
The distribution weights of these patterns adapt for flexible control.

Conclusions:

Locomotion control is achieved through a flexible combination of fundamental muscle activation patterns.
Coordination may arise from coupled neural and mechanical oscillators.
Neural control intervenes minimally to sustain intrinsic system oscillations.